The golden afternoon sun filtered through intricately carved windows, casting a warm glow in Prince Satyaki's study room. Fragrant incense wafted through the air, mingling with the subtle scent of aged manuscripts.

Satyaki sat at his desk surrounded by ancient texts on Shalya-tantra, the art of surgery. His dark hair fell in loose waves around his shoulders, framing a face that bore the mark of intelligence and determination. With furrowed brows and a focused expression, his sharp eyes scanned the text, absorbing the wisdom passed down through generations.

With eyes closed, he swayed gently back and forth on his seat, lost in the rhythm of the chanting, committing the verses to memory. His strong voice resonated through the room as he recited the words aloud.

Suddenly Satyaki, lost in the verses of shalya-chikitsa, felt a gentle tug on his garments. Opening his eyes, he beheld his young brother, Satyashree, gazing up at him with curiosity. Satyaki's face lit up with a warm smile; it always did due to his younger brother's presence.

Satyaki softly asked, "Kaise aana huya Yuyudhawan ?"

The little one reached out his hand, eagerly requesting, "Patrika chahiye."

"Patrika ?" Satyaki looked at him amused.

Satyashree nodded eagerly, "Kori patrika."

Amused and confused by this unexpected request, Satyaki couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's innocence. He gazed at his desk, reached for a blank paper, and handed it over to his brother with a gentle smile.

Satyashree's eyes sparkled with excitement as he clutched the parchment and dashed outside, his small feet pitter-pattering in his hurry. Satyaki's curiosity piqued, as he watched his brother with a mix of amusement and intrigue.

Wondering what mischief Satyashree was scheming, Satyaki decided to quietly trail behind him. As Satyaki stepped outside, he saw Satyashree running towards the courtyard, clutching the parchment with tiny hands. His little brother's laughter echoed through the palace as he darted around with unbridled energy.

The Shini prince walks with quiet steps, making sure not to startle Satyashree. They arrive at the palace worship area, adorned with the grandeur of ancient temples. Satyashree's smiles widen as he sees the servants waiting with paints in hand as he had asked them to.

Satyaki observes from a distance, hidden from view, as Satyashree eagerly takes the parchment and begins to interact with the paints and brushes. The servants stand by, watching the little prince with affectionate smiles.

Satyashree clumsily holds the brush in his tiny hand, dipping it into the paint and creating random strokes on the parchment in front of him. His face lights up with joy and wonder as he explores the colors and patterns, occasionally using his hands to smear the paint in a playful manner.

The servants watch in awe, marveling at the patterns and vivid colors emerging from the young boy's artwork. It was too good for someone who turned two, a few months back. But as Satyashree continues to paint, he starts getting frustrated. Despite the amazed expressions of the onlookers, he furrows his brow in disappointment.

His eyes squint with concentration, his brows furrow in determination, but the desired outcome eludes him. Satyashree's frustration slowly escalates as his vision fails to materialize on the canvas before him. Frustration begins to cloud his innocent gaze as his attempts to bring his imagination to life fall short. With each unsuccessful stroke, his frustration mounts, evident in the furrowed brow and pouting lips that betray his inner turmoil.

The servants, perplexed by his distress, exchange puzzled glances, unable to comprehend the source of his anguish. Satyashree's eyes well up with tears of disappointment as he struggles to capture the vibrant images in his mind onto the parchment. His innate divine essence seems momentarily overshadowed by the raw emotions of a child grappling with his limitations.

"Rajkumar !"

"Rajkumar kya huya ?"

The servants quickly gather around him, their faces a mix of concern and encouragement. Some clap softly, while others make funny faces to elicit a smile from the little prince. Satyashree's cries echo through the palace grounds.

Satyaki, witnessing his brother's tears, rushed to his side. He gently lifts his little brother into his arms, holding him close to his chest. The servants stepped back, letting the elder prince handle his brother.

"Arrey arrey.... Yeh ashru kyu ?" Satyaki asked, as he cradled the toddler.

Satyashree, looks up at his brother with teary eyes, "Chitra nahi ban raha..." He said.

Satyaki gently wipes away his brother's tears and looks at the unfinished portrait on the parchment. With a sense of amazement, Satyaki notices the vague outline of a lady taking shape on the paper. It depicted her with long wavy hair, big eyes, a sweet smile. Despite some inaccuracies and childish touches, the painting radiated a sense of innocence and purity that is rare for a toddler's artwork.

"Adbhut...." Satyaki was astonished.

He then looked at Satyashree and said, "Itni sundar chitrakala hai yeh.... Fir tum kyu ro rahe the ?"

"Unke bhaati sundar nahi hai." Satyashree said with a pout.

Satyaki frowned, "Kinke bhaati ? Kaun hai yeh stree ?"

Satyashree, with innocent eyes, pointed towards one of the temples. The one which was dedicated to Harihareshwari. Satyaki's eyes widened in realization. There was more to Satyashree than meets the eye. Overwhelmed with emotions, Satyaki felt a surge of love and reverence towards his brother. He embraced Satyashree tightly, his heart filled with awe.

"Kabhi kabhi mai bhul jata hu ki tum hi Shreeshaktiswar ho...." Satyaki sighed, "Kintu smaran karta hu toh bhaye lagta hai ki maine kahi tumhara apmaan toh nahi kiya..."

Satyashree's innocent smile conveyed a wisdom far beyond his years, "Aap toh satya-prem karte hai, apmaan nahi."

As Satyaki held his little brother close, a sense of profound gratitude filled his heart, knowing that he was in the presence of a being so pure and divine.

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A/N

Ab Krishneshwari ban ke aa jaao Amarsri, Satyashree se wait nahi ho raha 🤣